All Concerts

Bolero & Hot Latin Nights

August 9, 2015, 7:30 p.m.

Sizzling rhythms beneath the starry sky! Featuring the high-octane energy of JT & Friends, it's an evening of music and dance with sultry salsa, Cuban rhythms and the sounds of Spain. Enjoy Bernstein's "America," selections from Bizet's "Carmen" and Ravel's popular "Bolero," among other hot-blooded favorites! Gates open at 5:30 for picnicking.

Prefer not to cook? Enjoy our new Wine Bar or add on a gourmet Bristol Farms picnic box, ready for convenient pickup just inside the gates to the amphitheatre. (The picnic menu will appear on the screen after you choose your tickets.) Already have tickets?Click here to order food only.

Prefer not to cook? Enjoy our new Wine Bar or add on a gourmet Bristol Farms picnic box, ready for convenient pickup just inside the gates to the amphitheatre. (The picnic menu will appear on the screen after you choose your tickets.) Already have tickets?Click here to order food only.

Tchaikovsky Spectacular

September 5, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

The traditional end to Pacific Symphony’s Summer Festival, including the thrilling climax of thundering cannons and spectacular fireworks in Tchaikovsky’s “1812” Overture! Also enjoy some of the most enchanting pieces by favorite Russian composers — including Rachmaninoff’s hugely popular, achingly romantic Piano Concerto No. 2. Gates open at 6 p.m. for picnicking.

Prefer not to cook? Enjoy our new Wine Bar or add on a gourmet Bristol Farms picnic box, ready for convenient pickup just inside the gates to the amphitheatre. (The picnic menu will appear on the screen after you choose your tickets.) Already have tickets?Click here to order food only.

Beethoven's Ninth

October 1 – 3, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

“Ode to Joy” has thrilled listeners around the world for nearly two centuries. When it premiered in 1824, conducted by Beethoven himself, he heard not a note, so profoundly deaf was he. Nor did he hear the five standing ovations for the most epic choral work ever composed!

Beethoven’s Ninth Connections

October 4, 2015, 3:00 p.m.

Rediscover Beethoven’s crowning achievement — a monumental fusion of soloists, chorus and music — all set to the magnificent “Ode to Joy.” Also, Pacific Symphony’s composer-in-residence debuts his OC-inspired composition.

Fray Plays Schumann

October 22 – 24, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

Brahms famously put off writing a symphony for years, so intimidated was he with comparisons to Beethoven. What he eventually wrote was well worth the wait — infinitely rich, astonishingly simple and exquisitely enchanting. Bright Sheng’s piece is set to a tender piano melody created by Brahms. And Schumann’s Piano Concerto never fails to delight.

Phantoms of the Orchestra

October 24, 2015, 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

A Halloween spectacular uniting the orchestra and visual theater: The maestro and his terrified assistant use the power of the baton to control a ghoulish orchestra! The story of the “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” is brought vividly to life in this concert, which also features instantly recognizable selections from Bach’s Toccata and Fugue and Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain.” Don’t forget to wear your costume!

A Literary Afternoon

November 1, 2015, 3:00 p.m.

A delightful afternoon of works inspired by literature: Korngold’s Violin Suite references Shakespeare’s comedy; a 19th century romantic legend of a water sprite animates Reinecke’s lyrical Flute Sonata; and Schubert’s beloved "Trout" Quintet includes the composer’s popular song about a slippery fish trying to evade capture.

Michael Feinstein

November 6 – 7, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

As “Ambassador of the American Songbook,” Michael Feinstein devotes his career to the uniquely American sound captured during the Golden Age of American popular music. Inspired by Frank Sinatra, the Rat Pack, Gershwin and others, the multi-platinum singer has selected a sultry and swingin’ music set perfect for a swanky nightclub!

“New World” Symphony

November 12 – 14, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

Composed during Dvorák’s visit to the United States, the “New World” Symphony was influenced by both Native American music and African-American plantation songs. Surrounding this audience favorite are Bruch’s popular Violin Concerto and Li Huanzhi’s Spring Festival Overture.

Conrad Tao & Beethoven's “Eroica”

December 3 – 5, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

Hailed by critics as an “exciting prodigy” and “breathtaking,” 20-year-old Conrad Tao has become a Pacific Symphony audience favorite. His performance of Prokofiev’s masterpiece is sure to elicit the same exuberant reaction! Then, Beethoven’s popular symphony — filled with drama, death, resistance, strife and ultimate rebirth!

Nutcracker for Kids

December 5, 2015, 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Visions of sugarplums will dance in your head after seeing Tchaikovsky's delightful Christmas ballet — performed in a condensed 45-minute version created just for kids. This seasonal favorite finishes with a grand finale holiday sing-along and is sure to sell out!

Handel's Glorious Messiah

A Cirque Christmas

December 18 – 19, 2015, 8:00 p.m.

A delightful Christmas concert for the whole family: Holiday tunes add a special sparkle to this jaw-dropping fusion of fliers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers and strongmen who perform their cirque acts while Pacific Symphony provides a joyous soundtrack perfect for the most wonderful time of the year.

Holiday Organ Spectacular

December 22, 2015, 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the season with the king of instruments! Enjoy a magnitude of musical splendors with a world-class organist and a delightful mix of sacred and holiday music. Favorite Christmas carols share the bill with traditional organ works that highlight the $3.1 million organ.

Lin Plays Mozart

January 7 – 9, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Critics say “his technique is magnificent, his intonation immaculate, with a glittering top, breadth and radiance below.” Violinist Cho-Liang Lin serves as conductor and featured soloist for this delightful program, which includes both Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4 and his grand and festive “Haffner” Symphony.

Organ Splendor

February 4 – 6, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Two of the world’s finest organists deliver music filled with sublime beauty, luminous textures and sacred spirit. From the glory of “Pilgrim’s Hymn” — performed at funerals for Presidents Ford and Reagan — to the poetry of “Lux Aeterna,” enjoy the splendor of the William J. Gillespie Concert Organ.

Pirates of Penzance, Opera for Kids!

February 6, 2016, 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Renowned for songs like “I am a Pirate King!” and “I am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General,” Gilbert and Sullivan’s beloved comic operetta features dashing pirates, bumbling policemen, dim-witted young lovers and an eccentric major-general. This production for kids, including costumes and projected visuals, features both professional singers and talented students from Chapman University.

Superstar Organ Virtuosos

February 7, 2016, 3:00 p.m.

A quartet of superstar organ virtuosos perform exciting works that explore the sublime beauty, luminous textures and thrilling possibilities of the instrument, as part of Pacific Symphony’s acclaimed American Composer Festival.

Bernadette Peters

February 12 – 13, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

A magical evening of song featuring the incomparable Bernadette Peters. The three-time Tony Award-winning star of stage, film and television joins Pacific Symphony — singing from her extensive repertoire including hits from Rodgers and Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim.

Puccini’s “Turandot”

February 18 – 23, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Puccini’s spectacular masterpiece about a bloodthirsty princess whose icy, vengeful heart softens as she comes to know true love. The lyrical and sweeping score is filled with treasures including its signature aria “Nessun Dorma,” which has been used in many Hollywood scores and as the theme for BBC’s World Cup television coverage.

“Dancing with the Stars"

February 28, 2016, 3:00 p.m.

A program of exuberant works by “star” composers that showcase lively dance rhythms, including energetic gypsy and Hungarian rhythms, a seductive and languorous habanera, and that quintessential dance form—the waltz—as conceived first by Brahms and then reimagined by Schoenberg.

Tchaikovsky’s Fifth

March 10 – 12, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Featuring sumptuous tone and melodic mastery, Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony culminates in a triumphant final movement. It is led by Manuel López-Gómez, one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Venezuela’s internationally renowned “El Sistema” music program. Before that, the irresistible rhythms of Spain!

Symphony in Space

March 12, 2016, 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Blast off as the symphony travels through our solar system! Real footage from NASA will accompany music from Holst’s “The Planets,” as well as selections from “Star Wars.” Featuring the gifted young musicians of Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra in our annual side-by-side concert.

Ben-Hur, featuring Stewart Copeland

March 18 – 19, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

The most expensive silent film ever made, 1925’s “Ben-Hur” includes an enormous cast and crew and a visual scope that is breathtaking to this day. Stewart Copeland, former drummer for "The Police," composed a new score for the Hollywood epic. He performs on drums and percussion as Pacific Symphony performs the score live, while the movie screens above.

Rhapsody in Blue

April 7 – 9, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

The jazz connection: Gershwin married classical music to the most unique of American art forms, while Ives’ Second Symphony alludes to popular American folk tunes including “Camptown Races,” “Turkey in the Straw” and “America the Beautiful.” Between them, Ravel’s beautiful piano concerto, also heavily influenced by jazz.

Martin Short

April 15 – 16, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

It’s an unpredictable and undeniably fun night when multitalented and multifaceted comedy legend Martin Short joins Pacific Symphony for a hilarious evening of song, dance and laughter. The Emmy and Tony award-winning actor is best known for his appearances on “Saturday Night Live” and his scene-stealing roles in “Father of the Bride” and “Three Amigos.”

Midori & The Planets

April 28 – 30, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Debussy’s serene piano piece, orchestrated by the legendary Leopold Stokowski. Then, Korngold’s achingly beautiful Violin Concerto (reimagined from his Oscar-winning film scores), performed by former child prodigy Midori, now a mesmerizing virtuoso. Finally, Holst’s dramatic interpretation of the cosmos. Music inspired by the galaxy itself — grand and exciting!

The Firebird, Ballet for Kids!

April 30, 2016, 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Stravinsky’s famous and popular ballet comes to life in a fully costumed and narrated version just for kids. Enjoy Prince Ivan’s adventure in a magical realm, where he falls in love with a beautiful princess and is helped by an enchanted and mysterious Firebird to defeat the evil Kashchei.

The Mark of Zorro

May 1, 2016, 3:00 p.m.

In Old California (San Juan Capistrano to be exact), Douglas Fairbanks as Zorro opposes the corrupt colonial government, defends the weak and downtrodden and gets the girl! The 1920 silent screen classic is projected while organist Dennis James provides the unforgettable soundtrack.

Cafe Concertos

May 8, 2016, 3:00 p.m.

A delightful program of concerted works performed as intimate chamber music, opening with the great composers Bach and Vivaldi, followed by works of Mozart and the 20th century composer Gustav Holst, who were admirers of the Baroque masters.

Chris Botti

May 13 – 14, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Back by popular demand, trumpeter extraordinaire Chris Botti returns to Orange County with a brand new show! A gifted instrumentalist, a talented composer and a charismatic performer, the former trumpeter for Sting effortlessly crosses the boundaries between pop and classical, jazz and rock.

Vivaldi's Four Seasons

May 19 – 21, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Two all-time favorites provide a feast for the ears! One of the most beloved works of the Baroque repertoire, Vivaldi’s lyrical masterpiece paints tantalizing pictures of the changing seasons. Then, a fullday excursion up and down the Bavarian Alps, brought to life by Richard Strauss’ lush, splendid musical descriptions.

Andre Watts Plays Beethoven

June 2 – 4, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

More than 50 years after Leonard Bernstein introduced him to the world, André Watts remains one of the most celebrated and beloved piano superstars. In his hands, Beethoven’s revolutionary piano concerto is a fitting farewell to the season. Then, Berlioz’s musically enchanting work, inspired by his infatuation with a British ingénue.

Symphonie Fantastique

June 5, 2016, 3:00 p.m.

Uncover the semi-autobiographical story of an artist’s self-destructive passion for a beautiful woman. Berlioz’s symphony describes obsession and dreams, tantrums and tenderness, suicide and murder, ecstasy and despair.

Classical Mystery Tour

June 17 – 18, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Return to a time when four lads from Liverpool ruled the world of music! The four musicians of Classical Mystery Tour perform music from The Beatles’ songbook, all backed by the lush sounds of Pacific Symphony. This high-energy concert celebrates the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ final live concert in 1966.